New Zealand MPs advance a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region

Jonathan Young MP is leading the New Zealand delegation, including Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki MP and Mark Patterson MP, to the 26th Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Hanoi, Viet Nam this week.

The APPF brings together parliamentarians from 27 countries in the Asia Pacific region annually to address political, security, economic, and social issues. The agenda works to promote the expansion of trade and investment, sound and sustainable environmental practices, and the advancement of freedom and democracy. Through the exchange of experiences and the building of networks, the APPF aims to provide parliamentarians on both sides of the Pacific with the knowledge and strategies to build more peaceful and stable societies for all.

The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, said “This is a significant Forum, as the APPF will be marking its 25th Anniversary and revitalising its commitment to the shared goals of promoting dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability, prosperity in the region. The Asia Pacific region is dynamic and we face shared challenges. The APPF contributes to matters of regional importance by developing and advancing a parliamentary agenda that supports the work of APEC, and I pleased that New Zealand will be well represented at this milestone Forum.”

This year’s Forum has an over-arching theme of Parliamentary partnership for Peace, Innovation and Sustainable Development, with each New Zealand delegate delivering speeches and considering draft resolutions over the course of the Forum on topics such as the empowerment of women and girls, security and conflict prevention, regional economic integration and the consolidation of multilateral trade systems, climate protection and food security, and regional cultural and tourism cooperation. New Zealand will also be supporting a proposal to enhance the voice of women Parliamentarians in the Forum.

Immediately following the APPF the delegation will also undertake a visit to the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea. Here the delegation will learn about recent parliamentary developments and build an understanding of the opportunities for shared trade and economic development, science and innovation, and enhanced people-to-people links.

The delegation will be in Hanoi 17 - 22 January and Seoul 22 - 24 January 2018.

ENDS

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